Following a couple of recent incidents, please may I alert you to the Alarm Function of the Disabled toilets at the two airports with which I am familiar (It may be that City and other UK airports are similar, but I don't know them.)

In addition to the bog standard red pull cord (pardon the pun), the toilets are designed with a "kick strip" a few inches above the floor. This is designed so that a collapsed lady or gentleman on the floor could reach it and sound an alarm.

The alarm itself is quite discreet. It is either a continuous soft "farting" sound in T5 (similar to the sound the wheelchair buggies make) or a continuous, irritating, high pitched sound similar to a mosquito. Usually, an amber light above the toilet door shows the alarm has been activated.

PLEASE, I BEG YOU, DO NOT IGNORE THE ALARM! Many underlying medical emergencies first make their appearance known by causing a quick dash to the toilet!

The reason I am posting this is that I have been shocked to find that many of my own colleagues, and even the BAA staff are not aware of what to do when the alarm is sounding.

1. Rap on the door loudly and call "Are you okay in there?" If someone responds, tell them the alarm is sounding and can they push the reset button above the sink please.

2. Wait a reasonable amount of time for a response, then call "I'm coming in!".

3. Try the door handle. If it is locked, it can be undone using a small coin to turn the lock from outside.

4. If there is someone inside who needs help, reassure them help will be on its way. Call for help from passers by and ask them to find any member of staff to call "222" or if there is a phone nearby, call 222 yourself (the internal airport emergency number.) If it is possible wait until help arrives, or ask a passing member of staff to stay with the patient. If someone is unwell, it is comforting to have someone close at hand.

5. If, as so often is the case, the alarm has been triggered by accident (often by someone's trolley bag hitting the kick strip), there is an amber "Reset" button on the wall usually above the sink. Pressing it will cancel the alarm.

Again, PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE A DISABLED TOILET ALARM - YOU MIGHT JUST SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE!

(In the "Good Old Days" everyone who worked at the airport knew what to do. I have been shocked to see my own colleagues walk by, oblivious to the alarm!)

Thank you for not being one who passes by! ^